Minutes - Council Work Session - 05/22/2018

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Councilmember Kuzma suggested reaching out to WSB to determine the cost for having them assist with the process. Councilmember Johns arrived. Finance Director Lund asked for input on whether staff should reach out to determine the number of accounts at the utilities. She stated that the utilities typically get the word out that the City is looking at franchise fees. Acting Mayor LeTourneau noted that there are a lot of moving parts and he is worried that this could go the wrong way. He believed that it's important to have the conversation in the right way about roads to raise support for the best option. Councilmember Kuzma stated that after seeing the bullet points from staff it will help to determine whether this could go forward on the ballot or in another manner. It was confirmed that staff will not make the request of the utility companies. Finance Director Lund noted that in most communities it has taken one to 1.5 years to get franchise fees implemented. Councilmember Riley questioned how many additional people will be assessed during that time. 3. TOPICS FOR FUTURE DISCUSSION 3.01: Review Future Topics/Calendar None. 4. MAYOR/COUNCIL/STAFF INPUT Mr. Tinklenberg stated that things turned out well at the legislature and it looks like the Governor is going to sign the funding bill. He explained that at the end of the session, the bill passed at the last minute included $15,000,000 for Thurston/Fairoak and $2,000,000 for Ramsey Boulevard. He stated that with the funds received last year, Ramsey Boulevard would then have $3,500,000 available for the underpass and associated improvements. He stated that there were additional Quarters of Commerce funds allocated through the bill, which could open up RALF acquisitions. He stated that they met with MnDOT and it was explained why Highway 10 did not receive the Quarters of Commerce funds this year because they made the decision that they could not have both Highway 10 and I-94 under construction at one time. He noted that I-94 will be repaired first and that they are committed to Highway 10 beginning in 2021/2022. He stated that while it is good that the $15,000,000 was allocated to Thurston/Fairoak, those funds will not be spent until 2021/2022. He stated that there are things that can continue to be done, perhaps the improvements at Ramsey Boulevard and the frontage road in Ramsey as there are funds available to knock off those small items. He stated that it is really important for Ramsey to keep City Council Work Session/May 22,2018 Page 7 of 8